Russian aerospace leaders emphasize a persistent challenge in engine metallurgy that affects international supply chains. A prominent figure from the National Research Center’s Kurchatov Institute, Mikhail Kovalchuk, noted that the United States, which previously relied on Russian RD-180 rocket engines, cannot determine the exact composition of the alloy used in these engines. The disclosure, attributed to DEA News, underscores the secrecy surrounding material makeups that power modern propulsion systems.
According to Kovalchuk, American teams have repeatedly engaged with the RD-180 in a long-standing exchange: they purchase, disassemble, study, reassemble, and test these engines, yet they do not possess full capability to reproduce the metal itself. His remark highlights how tightly controlled alloy knowledge remains and how critical the base materials are to overall engine performance. The broader implication is that while weapons-grade propulsion has been accessible through external supply, the underpinning metallurgy continues to be a strategic and tightly guarded domain.
Kovalchuk also explained that the path to reliable alloy production for aerospace and aircraft industries presents technical hurdles. As a result, only a select number of nations have managed to establish the full production pipelines required to manufacture combat-capable aircraft engines. The conversation around alloy creation emphasizes both the scientific complexity and the geopolitical dimension of modern aerospace manufacturing, where material science decisions ripple through defense and civilian aviation programs alike.
In related developments, Sergey Vakushin, chief designer at the Ural Civil Aviation Plant, reported that the LMS-901 Baikal light multipurpose aircraft completed its first flight using the domestic VK-800SM engine. The developers project the aircraft will enter broader testing and potential service in the third quarter of 2024, signaling a push toward greater self-reliance in propulsion within the regional aviation sector.
Earlier, a statement from Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin indicated that the initial flight of the upgraded Sukhoi Superjet 100, now featuring enhanced Russian engines, occurred as part of an ongoing modernization program. Officials have suggested further demonstrations and tests were planned over the following months to validate performance improvements and reliability enhancements across the domestic fleet. These milestones fit into a broader aim of strengthening indigenously produced propulsion solutions for both military and civilian aviation markets.